The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious objections to the excessive levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the water of the Sangam areas near the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, as the Maha Kumbh witnesses millions of visitors. The CPCB recently filed a report noting extremely high levels of fecal coliform bacteria, particularly during Shahi Snan days, indicating a severe health risk for both visitors and locals.
Fecal coliform bacteria originate from human and animal feces and are one of the primary indicators of water pollution. The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water suggests the potential presence of harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which can pose serious health risks. [1]
Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada, (MD, FAAP), President, Bharatiya Liberal Party, took to Twitter to quote, "The water of the Ganga and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh is not suitable for bathing. The coliform count (E. coli count) is so high that it clearly confirms the presence of fecal matter in the water. There are also reports that people are falling ill after bathing in the Maha Kumbh, with cases of gastroenteritis being reported. Please focus on scientific facts. Do not harm yourself in the name of faith. Governments want to keep you distracted with the opium of religion. They have no direct concern for your health and well-being. Pay attention to the CPCB report and think about your well-being yourself."
Through the official MedBound App, his Bound encouraged the audience to 'beware and take care of their safety before following the trend of taking a dip in the holy waters to get rid of your sins'.
Safe limits of fecal coliform in river water must not be more than 2,500 MPN/100ml (Most Probable Number per 100 milliliters), as per the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). But recent data from CPCB indicated levels in the Ganga at 11,000 MPN/100ml near Shastri Bridge and 7,900 MPN/100ml at Sangam, while the Yamuna had 4,900 MPN/100ml prior to its confluence with the Ganga. [2]
Health Risks of Fecal Bacteria Exposure
Contaminated water is a serious health risk, especially if ingested or used for bathing. Elevated fecal coliform levels have been associated with conditions like typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, and cholera.[3] The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that exposure to such contaminated water sources can result in waterborne disease outbreaks affecting both those directly consuming the water and those eating food irrigated with contaminated water. [4]
Environmental Impact and Aquatic Life
Apart from human health hazards, untreated sewage and fecal pollution adversely affect aquatic life. The high organic load of fecal waste reduces the oxygen content in water, which is harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms. [5] Moreover, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the Ganga and Yamuna was also reported to be above acceptable levels, further degrading the quality of water. [6]
Challenges in Waste Management and Possible Solutions
Although there are operational sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Prayagraj, the huge pilgrim influx during the Maha Kumbh results in excessive discharge of waste that surpasses the capacity of the available infrastructure. The CSE report identifies that not a single city in India has successfully addressed its sewage issue entirely, as most urban centres release untreated waste straight into water bodies. [7] Enhancing sewage treatment capacity, upgrading waste management facilities, and imposing tighter regulations on wastewater disposal are essential measures for the decline of fecal contamination.
Experts say that the increasing level of fecal coliform in the waters of Sangam is a cause for serious health concerns, especially during large-scale religious events such as Maha Kumbh.
Centre for Science and Environment. (2024). Water quality monitoring and its significance. Retrieved from https://www.cseindia.org
CPCB. (2025). Water Quality Dashboard for Maha Kumbh 2025. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
World Health Organization. (2022). Waterborne diseases and health risks. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
KnowYourH2O. (2023). Understanding faecal coliform contamination. Retrieved from https://www.knowyourh2o.com
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Effects of organic pollution on aquatic ecosystems. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov
CPCB. (2025). Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in Ganga and Yamuna. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Centre for Science and Environment. (2023). State of sewage treatment in Indian cities. Retrieved from https://www.cseindia.org
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Jithin Paul/MSM)